SAN DIEGO. – Chief Petty Officer Nicholas Napoleon, a resident of Florence, Arizona, joined the Navy 20 years ago. Today, Napoleon serves as an aviation ordnancemen aboard USS Tripoli.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne |
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to try something new and explore the world,” said Napoleon.
USS Tripoli incorporates key components to provide the fleet with a more aviation-centric platform. The design features an enlarged hangar deck, aviation maintenance facilities realignment and expansion, a significant increase in available stowage for parts and support equipment, and increased aviation fuel capacity.
“The sailors aboard this ship have been given an enormous task--get this ship ready,” said Capt. John Kiefaber, USS Tripoli’s executive officer. “They brought this ship to life in the midst of a pandemic and continue to operate it safely and effectively, rising to every occasion. I couldn’t be more proud.”
Serving in the Navy means Napoleon is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“I think the Navy contributes to national security because we serve and protect those stateside and overseas,” said Napoleon.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities, and capacity.
“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and defend our way of life,” said Gilday. “The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success.”
Napoleon and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest naval accomplishment is making it 20 years in service and having the opportunity to serve with my son,” said Napoleon. "He joined the Navy in 2016."
As Napoleon and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“To me, serving in the Navy means being able to help or provide knowledge and structure to sailors who come after you,” added Napoleon. "You develop a bond that only those who have served will ever understand."
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities, and capacity.
“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and defend our way of life,” said Gilday. “The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success.”
Napoleon and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest naval accomplishment is making it 20 years in service and having the opportunity to serve with my son,” said Napoleon. "He joined the Navy in 2016."
As Napoleon and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“To me, serving in the Navy means being able to help or provide knowledge and structure to sailors who come after you,” added Napoleon. "You develop a bond that only those who have served will ever understand."